Working at home isn't easy for everyone. Not only have many of us failed to figure out a good space to work without disruption, but sometimes, people walk in when they really shouldn't. Whether it's an unexpected interruption during a Zoom call or a parent walking in when they really shouldn't, everyone's suffering a little bit. Even people who've been working from home for years might find it difficult now that spouses and kids are home as well.
Having to work from home is straight-up difficult. It's combining two once-separate worlds into one. But at the very least, we're all in this together. We can view each other's fails and learn from them. Or just use them as a way to learn more about the new software we had to learn very quickly in order to get work done.
One of the best work-from-home fails came from reporter Jessica Lang. Jessica, like many other news anchors, is now recording from her home. She started recording a broadcast in the kitchen. But nobody told her dad. Not even her mom, who was serving as her camerawoman.
Her dad walked down the hall with his shirt flipped up before realizing what was going on. While it was very funny, Jessica (and her dad) were fortunate that the segment wasn't airing live. Instead, Jessica shared it herself on social media.
Moments like these are incredibly important right now. They show that even professionals are struggling. They're also offering a much-needed laugh. Here are some of the best work-from-home fails that have sprung up so far.
1. Jessica's Performance
Since we already described this, of course you have to see it. While Jessica seems a little stressed out, obviously she thought it was pretty funny once everything was said and done. She might not have even noticed that her dad's belly was in full view prior to her reaction, based on the timing and the angle.
Jessica, who works at the Suncoast News Network, admits that it was a stressful moment at the time. "This was take 28 lol it was a struggle lol!" Jessica revealed on Twitter. However, it's now a memory that she can share with her dad from here on out. Her dad probably had no idea that he'd become famous overnight.
2. The Accidental Flash
If you're not the only one working from home, just assume that cameras might be on you at all times. That, or invest in a quality robe. It'll still be slightly awkward, but definitely not as awkward as accidentally flashing your husband's coworkers. Everything has changed due to our stay-at-home orders. Even the act of getting fresh linens.
3. The Broken Nook
It's way less funny, but sometimes things accidentally get destroyed based on trying to adjust to this new normal. When trying to find space in the house to take a phone call (in an area of the house where you actually get reception), you may end up destroying some valuables in the process. Reminder: Always check where you sit.
4. The Bathroom Zoom
Poor Jennifer. By now, you might have seen the video of the employee who forgot that her computer had a camera on it. That, or maybe she assumed that it wasn't on. She took her computer into the bathroom and ended up accidentally going viral. Some think this might have been a publicity stunt. Either way, it is definitely a cautionary tale.
5. The Sick Pet
If you own a dog or cat, you know that sometimes vomit happens. It could be due to an upset stomach, or maybe it's just a reaction to something strange you ate earlier in the day. Most people don't need to deal with these types of issues at work. But now? Now it's a whole new world.
6. The Spouse Fail
This video is humorous for a couple of reasons. For one, this woman's presumed significant other had no idea that a video conference was happening, which is likely why he sauntered over wearing just his underwear. But then, in a panic, he ends up mildly injuring himself. Hopefully he's OK — and learned a valuable lesson.
7. The Unfortunate Chain of Events
One of the worst issues regarding virtual meetings? Background noise. It's why it's not recommended to join a meeting while at a coffee shop or out on the town. Those scenarios may not be as big of a problem these days, but you still have to deal with laundry, the air conditioning unit, kids, and pets. And the noise can be so alarming that it'll cause you to have an absolute catastrophe on video.
8. The Awkward Pauses
Sometimes when it comes to video chats, there's a slight lag. That means that people often talk over each other or end up chatting to nobody by accident. This can often happen face-to-face as well, but it's far less common. If you just ended a conference with a lot of pauses and apologies, don't worry. A large number of these types of conversations are happening worldwide.
9. Dressing Inappropriately
I think we all know that it's time to ditch the skirts and suits. If we can't be comfortable in our typical schedule, at least we can dress comfortably. That means that nobody should fault you for wearing sweatshirts. However, you might want to do a once-over before getting on camera to make sure the sweatshirt doesn't say something slightly embarrassing.
10. Day Drinking
For some adults, day drinking has been a good way to bring a little bit of cheer to the workday. As long as nobody gets sloppy, an occasional beer or glass of wine for lunch isn't a big deal. However, you might not want to showcase that fact to your daughter's classmates and teacher.
11. The Anatomy Lesson
Children are, rightfully, intrigued by their bodies and its many functions. But announcing these things during an online work meeting is the perfect way for mom to feel embarrassed. If you have kids, you may feel the pain of this work-from-home fail. It might inspire you to video conference in a room with a locked door and a hand constantly hovering over the mute button.
12. Accidental Potato
Video-chatting programs can have a lot of fun accessories and add-ons. But you just want to make sure you know how to use them before trying them out. This woman turned herself into a potato right before her Zoom call and had no clue how to change it back. This must have been the most memorable meeting of all time.
13. Wrong Lunch
One good way to support local restaurants you love is to order takeout or delivery. In fact, many restaurants who didn't offer delivery before are suddenly signing up for services like DoorDash and Grubhub. Just make sure you send your order through the app — and not through one of your students' parents. They won't be able to help you out.